Palm Springs Memorial Day Getaway

It felt great to run 6 miles along the coast. It felt even better knowing that we were headed to Palm Springs. A 2hr drive from San Diego, Palm Springs has become one of our favorite weekend retreats. Its rocky mountain backdrops and desert landscape make us feel like we're worlds away. I surprised Eddie with reservations at the La Quinta Waldorf Astoria Resort with a hideaway casita, known for its spacious back patio. We ate some great meals including a surprise find - Richie's Diner, a 50s style diner that Eddie loved of course. We had ribs and gigantic onion rings. We'll be back for sure! On a bummer note, I felt a tinge of my calf injury return on the run.

At the spa

Private entrance

Spacious patio and mountain backdrop

Success in Solvang

Our second half marathon is complete! We both managed to set personal records despite a more difficult course. Eddie's time in Vegas was 2:27 and mine was 2:45. Eddie worked hard and his preparation paid off. By a sheer miracle, I ran faster than my previous time. I ran up until the 11th mile and walked/ran. Eddie and I both agreed the last two miles were the toughest. The course was mostly flat with some hills to make it interesting. Highlights of the race, well organized, beautiful vineyards, cows up close and personal, an elderly couple - husband on his tractor and wife by his side cheering us on, a darling town with cottages in Los Olivos, horses running along side us as we climbed up our first hill, a young man with a guitar singing his heart out, and the volunteers who encouraged us at every mile mark which was marked very clearly.

We even recovered quicker this time. After the Wine and Music Festival, where Eddie sampled some beer, we went back to the hotel to clean up and eat (chicken drumsticks, chicken flatbread, pasta, and quesadillas, yum!) and headed to Michael Jackson's previously Neverland Ranch located in an almost eerily remote area. Fortunately, our trusty TomTom confirmed we were in the right place. We turned off our car, walked up to the gates, and we heard nothing but the sounds of birds and insects. Tranquil and peaceful, we headed out for a sushi dinner.

On a side note, we saw yet another housewife on our trip, Vickie from Orange County and her husband Don. Briana, her daughter, married Ryan who walked right past us at our hotel, and they had their ceremony the same day we were there. We can't seem to take a trip without spotting someone on TV!

Pre-Race...woke up at 4:30a and excited to start

Running by bulls and buffalo

Post Race...feeling GREAT and very happy

Michael Jackson's previously Neverland Ranch

Sausage and smorgasbord..where we ate in Solvang

According to Eddie, an old family story...can you remember?

Wine Country Half:

	Time	Pace
Eddie	2:12:53	10.08
Melissa	2:41:43	12:20

Feelin Ready...Sort of...

I can't believe we're in the home stretch. Eddie ran 7 miles this morning, a "light run" so he would feel energized for the race. My achievement for the week was run/walking 4 miles after coming back from a torn calf. The distance wasn't much, but it just felt fantastic to run again after a month off - doc's order - sooo frustrating!  My physical therapist says I should run/walk until I feel 100%. My goal is to getter done in 3:30. Eddie and I will meet up at the Music and Wine Festival where we'll be able to sample an unlimited amount of wines. LOVE my new running shoes by Brooks - the added support should help me a lot during the run. We stocked up on Chomps - gelatin to give a boost during our run, and I bought us fanny packs (way cooler than you think - they lay flat and can fit a cell phone/money/keys). Thanks to the great folks at the Running Center. We'll be returning when Eddie buys a new pair of shoes after the race. Highlights of the week:

• Eddie returned home from work travel to Texas.
• I saw Tim Tebow speak at the ChikFilet Leadership Conference.
• Sunday - I made pork chops for dinner with Italian bread crumbs. Eddie was over the moon.

Little beer mugs for tasting at the Festival of Beers (Scottsdale)